From Japan to Seville

Maika Kubo

Japanese flamenco student Maika Kubo, 24, performs during a flamenco class at an academy in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Spain, Sept. 11, 2013.

Kubo began learning the traditional southern Spanish style of music and dance while at university in Japan, where she studied languages.

Her passion led her to come to Spain, where she has now been living for over a year, taking flamenco classes, working as a shop assistant and doing various other jobs. "Flamenco makes me feel so alive," she said.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Japanese flamenco student, Maika Kubo, 24, looks at an exhibition of traditional flamenco dresses in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 13, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Maika Kubo serves sushi to guests as she works for a Japanese catering company during a Spanish wedding near the Andalusian capital of Seville Sept. 28, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Maika Kubo drags her suitcase as she moves to a rented apartment in the Triana neighbourhood of the Andalusian capital of Seville, Aug. 1, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Maika Kubo (R), 24, dances during a flamenco class at an academy in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 10, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Maika Kubo, 24, walks down the stairs in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 20, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Maika Kubo, 24, poses for a photograph in the old monastery of San Jeronimo in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 20, 2013.

Maika Kubo

Maika Kubo

Japanese flamenco student, Maika Kubo, 24, looks in a wardrobe in her bedroom in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 18, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Japanese flamenco student Maika Kubo, 24, eats cheese at her home in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 18, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Japanese flamenco students Maika Kubo (L), 24, and Akihiro Kawahata talk in a restaurant in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 27, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Japanese flamenco student Maika Kubo, 24, stretches backstage before taking part in a private performance at the "Flamenco en Sevilla de Opera" hall in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Nov. 21, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Japanese flamenco students Maika Kubo (L), 24, and Akihiro Kawahata walk in the rain in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 27, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Maika Kubo puts on makeup in her bathroom in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 18, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Japanese flamenco student, Maika Kubo, stands backstage before taking part in a private performance at the "Flamenco en Sevilla de Opera" hall in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Nov. 21, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Maika Kubo, 24, poses for a portrait before taking part in a private performance at the "Flamenco en Sevilla de Opera" hall in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Nov. 21, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Japanese flamenco student Maika Kubo, 24, performs with Edu Hidalgo, 27, and Liam Howarth, 25, during a private performance at the "Flamenco en Sevilla de Opera" hall in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Nov. 21, 2013.

Credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Reuters

Maika Kubo

Maika Kubo, 24, sits on a bench at the Museum of Arts and Traditions of Seville in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Sept. 13, 2013.